Eve's Wine 101

Mystic Hills Vineyard Crushing it Again in the New Awards Season

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Vintners Feel Success…is partly due to the support of treasured friends

Paso Robles, California – Just in from the New York International Wine Competition, Monterey County’s Mystic Hills Vineyard received two special USA Individual Awards: Monterey Winery of the Year 2016 and Paso Robles Dry Red Blend Producer of the Year. Adding to the accolades from that competition: Gold Medal for Unforgiven 2012, Silver Medal for 2014 H.E.A.R.T.S. Rosé, and Bronze Medal for 2012 Gran Trio, all Bordeaux Blends.

Mystic Hills banner from newsletter

In other competitions announced this June, Mystic Hills Vineyard received top prizes at the 2016 San Diego International Wine Challenge: Platinum for their 2012 Unforgiven, Bordeaux Blend (score 94), Gold for their 2012 Gran Trio, and Silver for the 2014 H.E.A.R.T.S. Rosé.

“Made in a typical style for California’s Central Coast,” Robert Whitley, wine columnist and director of the San Diego competition said, “The 2012 Unforgiven is ripe and juicy, with layers of black fruit and a touch of oak vanillin. It’s a crowd-pleaser that can be consumed even at this early stage of its evolution. A platinum award-winner at the San Diego International Wine Challenge.”

Adding even more to their week of awards, The Los Angeles International Wine Competition, awarded the BEST OF CLASS, GOLD MEDAL to Unforgiven, 91 Points Bordeaux Blend Monterey County 2011. They also took home Bronze Medals for Cabernet Sauvignon, Monterey County 2012 and Gran Trio, Bordeaux Blend, Monterey County 2012.

They are still awaiting results of other competitions, but if this year is anything like last year, more medals will be coming their way. In 2015, Mystic Hills was the recipient of more than 12 awards, including being named Monterey Winery of the Year 2015.

About Mystic Hills Vineyard

Making these awards all the more special is the fact that this is only their second year of public releases. The vineyard is family owned by Judy and Joel Cox, he of Oscar winning fame as a film editor for more than 40 years, most exclusively with Director Clint Eastwood.

The grapes at Mystic Hills are hand-picked and the process is all hand crafted, vine to bottle. Everything is overseen by expert winemaker Keith Roberts and the Cox family. Mystic Hills Vineyard is truly a boutique vineyard, nestled on 14 acres in the beautiful rolling hills of San Miguel, California, just minutes from Paso Robles. They currently have 4 Bordeaux varietals released, with a fifth, a Reserve Malbec, due later this year.

Contact and Tastings

Mystic Hills Vineyard does not have a public tasting room, but graciously provides private tastings with the winemakers for individuals or small groups by appointment, at their home near the vineyard. You may find them at many wine events in Paso Robles and Southern California. For more information on their wines, wine club, upcoming events or to schedule a private tasting, please contact:

Judy or Joel Cox 805-610-1099 Info@mystichillsvineyard.com www.mystichillsvineyard.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mystic-Hills-Vineyard-174322976034673/timeline

TICKETS NOW ON SALE FOR SAN DIEGO BAY WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL

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Southern California’s Largest Food and Wine Festival Raises a Glass to Celebrate its
12-Year Anniversary
San Diego, CA – The San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival returns to America’s Finest City November 15-22, 2015, and is bigger and better than ever. Ticket sales have officially launched for the 12th annual festival, and co-producer Michelle Metter says that food, wine, and local enthusiasts can expect to see exciting new additions throughout the week as well as the return of festival classics such as the iconic Grand Tasting and signature Taco TKO Fish Taco Competition.
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 “The city of San Diego is a hub for culinary tourism, and is home to a selection of the nation’s best restaurants, breweries, chefs, sommeliers and beyond,” continued Metter. “Each year, the San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival showcases our city’s best talent, and allows over 10,000 guests from around the world to indulge in an epicurean experience of a lifetime.”
The San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival is an international showcase of the world’s premier wines and spirits, chefs and culinary personalities, and gourmet foods. The week-long experience celebrates San Diego’s vibrant culinary community with over 100 citywide events, wine and cooking classes, chef dinners, and multiple tasting events throughout the week. The Festival’s legendary Grand Tasting, presented by Lexus, transforms the beautiful San Diego Bay into a food lover’s paradise, featuring over 200 wineries, breweries and spirits from around the world, 70 of San Diego’s best restaurants, and 10,000 wine and food aficionados from across the nation.
Additionally the Festival attracts celebrated chefs from across the country, including host of the 1970s PBS television series Cooking Mexican, Rick Bayless; James Beard award-winning chef, Gale Gand; Antonin Careme medal holder, Suzette Gresham; Iron Chef America winner, Katsuya Fukushima; authors of Talk With Your Mouth Full, The Hearty Boys; Executive Chef for Cooking Light, Anna Bullet; Maître Cuisinier De France, Bernard Guillas; Chef of Bracero Cocina de Raiz, Javier Plascencia; Chef and Owner of Común Kitchen & Tavern, Chad White, and the 2014 San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival Chef of the Fest Winner, Duvinh Ta, Executive Chef of Jake’s Del Mar.
Local culinary standouts also fill out the roster of chef all-stars, including: Steve de Barril, Executive Chef and Partner, Seasons 52; Adam Gunderson, Executive Chef, The Oceanaire Seafood Room; Trevor Chappell, Executive Chef, The Barrel Room; Priscilla Curiel, Chef and Manager, Talavera Azul; Mark Kropczynski, Executive Chef, Grant Grill; Giorgio Lo Verde, Chef, Il Fornaio Coronado; Jason McLeod, Executive Chef / Owner, Ironside Fish & Oyster; John Medall, Executive Chef, The Patio Restaurant Group; James Montejano, Executive Chef, The MED at La Valencia; Anthony Sinsay, Executive Chef, Duke’s La Jolla; Amy DiBiase, Executive Chef, Tidal; Steve Stawinski, Executive Chef, Creekside Grill; Chef Kappa, Executive Chef, Bang Bang; Kimberly Kramer, Executive Chef, Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa; Giorgio Lo Verde, Executive Chef, Il Fornaio Coronado; Sam Kambo, Executive Chef, Royal India; Leticia Gonzalez, Chef, Uptown Tavern; Jarrod Moiles, Executive Chef, Veladora; Kevin Templeton, Executive Chef, barleymash, and many more!
 
New this year, the San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival has partnered with SommCon – a four-day educational conference for wine, beer and spirit professionals as well as serious enthusiasts. Held November 18-21, 2015, this new partnership gives festival attendees access to over 50 new tasting and educational experiences led by the brightest minds in the business. Committed to enhancing the “business of wine,” the educational content featured at SommCon was designed by a team of over 25 of the wine industry’s top professionals who have joined together to form “Team SommCon.”
The San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival offers several ways for epicurean enthusiasts to indulge in the most decadent culinary experience of the year, including all-inclusive ticket packages that offer overall savings, and feature hotel accommodations as well as admission to a selection of the food and wine festival’s premier events. Discounted accommodations are available at the Manchester Grand Hyatt, hotel reservations and ticket packages can be reserved by calling, 877.385.9595.
To preview the schedule of events and featured celebrities visit the San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival online at www.sandiegowineclassic.com. Events, personalities and participating wineries and restaurants are updated daily.
 
SAN DIEGO BAY WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL
The 12th Annual San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival is an international showcase of the world’s premier wine and spirits producers, chefs and culinary personalities, and gourmet foods. Held November 15-22, 2015 the event benefits culinary arts and enology scholarships awarded by The American Institute of Wine & Food and the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs. Over 200 wineries, breweries and spirit companies and 70 of San Diego’s top fine dining restaurants will participate in the 2015 Festival. For more information visit www.sandiegowineclassic.com. Produced by World of Wine Events and Fast Forward Event Productions. For more information call 619-312-1212.

ASOMBROSO FINE TEQUILAS UNVEILS A NEW ANEJO: “The Collaboration” (EVE’S TASTING NOTES BELOW)

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“The Collaboration”

ASOMBROSO FINE TEQUILAS UNVEILS 11-YEAR OLD DOUBLE BARRELED ANEJO, RESTED IN SILVER OAK AMERICAN OAK BARRELS

RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, CA. – AsomBroso Tequila has announced the latest edition to their Ultra-Premium Fine Line of Tequila’s – one of a kind Ultra-Premium 11 Year Old, Double Barreled, Cabernet Sauvignon Anejo rested exclusively in Silver Oak American Oak barrels.

collaboration 3Ricardo Gamarra, owner and Master Distiller of AsomBroso Tequila, explains: “We approached Silver Oak because of their exclusive use of American white oak barrels. Our Tequila is rested in barrels from around the world, and resting this tequila with the Silver Oak American oak barrels has produced an absolute masterpiece!”

Elegantly housed in a Crystal Decanter, hand made by Italian artist Luciano Gambaro, displayed in a finely polished Humidor and resting on a laser engraved custom pedestal, this one of a kind, limited release, 11 Year Old Cabernet Sauvignon Anejo is as stunning visually as it is on the palate – and will be available for the 2014 holiday season.

Visit us on the web at: www.atequila.com to order.

Eve’s Tasting Notes

Color – Rust to golden brown.

Aroma – Macadamia nut, caramel, eggnog, surprising, with very little burn.

Flavor – Toasted pine nuts, quality brandy flavor, sweet toasty finish.

Pairing – Maybe it’s the time of year, but just a tablespoon or two of this in Eggnog would rock.

Conclusion – Like a fine brandy, this Tequila deserves to be slowly sipped.

(My previous Asombroso review, of the El Platino, Reposado and Tequila Extra Anejo, can be read here: http://www.westranchbeacon.com/category_view.php?catg=5&id=3194)

American Oak Barrels

The use of American Oak is a hallmark of Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon. To ensure the long term availability of American oak barrels, Silver Oak formed a partnership with A & K Cooperage in 2000. Located in Higbee, Missouri, A & K Cooperage is a small, family-owned company that has produced premium barrels for over 30 years. It takes 80 years to grow an American White Oak tree to maturity and another 2 years to properly age the wood. From there, the wood is toasted to exact specifications and handcrafted into a 59 gallon barrel.

AsomBroso ships the barrels to their distillery in Mexico, where they are filled with the AsomBroso “Vintage: 11 Year Old Extra Anejo, which then rests for an additional 3 to 6 months, or until Master distiller Ricardo Gamarra determines it has reached the right complexity.

Ricardo goes on to explain: “Our ‘Vintage’ 11 Year Old Extra Aged Anejo won Best of the Best by the Robb Report and has won multiple Gold Medals. Rested in French Oak, housed in a decanter designed after the chandelier in the Bellagio lobby called “Fiori de Como” by world renowned glass sculptor Dale Chihuly, “Vintage 11 Year Old Anejo is a gem all unto itself and was the oldest Anejo of its time”. The resting of my “Vintage: 11 Year Old Anejo in Silver Oak’s American oak barrels is exquisite!

“The Collaboration” is a limited Edition

To order visit us online at: www.atequila.com

Retail: $1,800

Along with our latest Double Barrel Rested Anejo “The Collaboration”, we also have “El Carbonzado” (Double Barrel Rested in Tennessee Whisky Barrels), “Del Porto” Double Barrel Rested in Port Barrels from Portugal) and our still resting “Black Pearl”.

Agave Club

The Agave Club was created so that Ricardo could keep in direct contact with the most important side of his business, his customers.

The Agave Club offers an exclusive membership, keeping all members up to date with current tequila trends, offering tequila 101 classes as well as periodic specials for the entire AsomBroso product line.

There are a number of ways new members can sign up: go to www.atequila.com and fill out the online application, fill out and send in the application card that comes in each bottle of tequila or by scanning the QR code with a smart phone.

AsomBroso – dedicated to the art and science of tequila

AsomBroso, owned by California Tequila, LLC., headquartered in Rancho Santa Margarita, California, is proud to be known as the producer of “The World’s most Exclusive Tequila.” No other Mexican distillery can make that claim. The company is family owned, with the distillery located in the town of Tequila, Jalisco, Mexico. The AsomBroso line of tequila includes their award-winning El Platino, Which won “Top Tequila and double Gold Medals at the San Francisco world spirits Competition; La Rosa, their “pink” Reposado tequila made by resting the El Platino in Bordeaux wine barrels from France, Gold Medal winner and was the first Pink Tequila in the world; 5 Year Old Extra Anejo Gran Reserva tequila was voted “Best of the Best” by Robb Report Magazine and awarded numerous Gold and Double Gold medals; and their 11 Year Old Anejo, which also won the “Best of the Best” award from the Robb Report Magazine as well as numerous Gold and Double Gold medals; The limited release last Christmas El Carbonzado; the just released Del Porto and soon to be released: The Collaboration, The Black Pearl and a tequila rested beer with our 11 Year Old Anejo barrels produced by Stone Brewery in San Diego, California.

For more information about the company, go to www.atequila.com

Eve Bushman has been reading, writing, taking coursework and tasting wine for over 20 years.  She has obtained a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust, has been the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video, authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and recently served as a guest judge for the L.A. International Wine Competition.  You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits that may be answered in a future column. You can also seek her marketing advice via Eve@EveBushmanConsulting.com

ANNUAL FUNDRAISER FOR ELDERHELP OF SAN DIEGO RETURNS ON APRIL 21, 2012 WITH WINE & DINE: PROHIBITION

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Proceeds from ElderHelp’s Wine & Dine Fundraising Event Benefit Low Income and Frail Seniors Living in Their Own Homes

ElderHelp announces dates for its 15th annual Wine & Dine fundraising event set to take place on Saturday, April 21, from 7:00 – 11:00 pm at The Westin Gaslamp Quarter.  Wine & Dine is a dancing, drinking and dining extravaganza that features premier regional wines and beers, specialty crafted cocktails and cuisine from San Diego’s finest restaurants.  Proceeds from the event enables ElderHelp, a San Diego-based non-profit, to provide support services to San Diego’s growing population of seniors to help them remain independent in their own homes, said Leane Marchese, Executive Director of ElderHelp.

“Last year’s event was highly successful, raising over $100,000 to provide services for seniors who need our help most,” added Marchese.  “Wine & Dine promises to be even bigger and better than before and with this year’s exciting new theme and location, we’re confident that we will be able to top last year’s numbers and provide even more support to San Diego’s growing senior community.”

This year’s theme of “prohibition” invites guests to take a step back in time to the roaring 1920s for an evening of debauchery, where guests will get to look and act the part of gangsters, flappers and silent film stars while shimmying to the sounds of the 1920s.  The event features a silent auction and wine raffle with items perfect for the wine enthusiast, live music entertainment and more.

Wine & Dine offers corporate and private sponsorships, including opportunities such as naming of tasting rooms and stages with signage, signature cocktails, media and marketing promotions, private cabana seating, and much more.  Sponsorships will provide direct aid to ElderHelp in their fundraising efforts with profits going towards the organization’s mission to help seniors remain independent at home.

Tickets will be available for purchase online on January 17 for $150 per person in advance and $200 at the door.  For tickets or more information about the event, visit www.elderhelpofsandiego.org.  For information regarding sponsorships opportunities, please call Sarah Shepard at 619-284-9281, ext. 112 or sshepard@elderhelpofsandiego.org.

ELDERHELP
Founded in 1973, ElderHelp is one of San Diego’s oldest and most trusted organizations assisting local seniors. ElderHelp is a nonprofit organization comprised of professionals and community volunteers committed to offering quality social services that help seniors live independently in their own homes. Last year, ElderHelp assisted nearly 5,000 seniors throughout San Diego County. Visit www.elderhelpofsandiego.org or call 619-284-9281 to learn more or to sign up for services. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.